Posted on by Catherine Omondi

tinsel in child's hair

Parents constantly look for fun and delightful ways to add a beautiful touch to their children’s hair. A trend that’s caught the eye of many parents is hair tinsel. These twinkling strands sparkle with every flip and are suitable for festive occasions, daily wear, and play dates. If you’ve wanted to add these shimmering strands to your child’s hair without the fuss, tangles, or risk of damage, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for tips and tricks, specifically on how to put in hair tinsel for children, ensuring their hair sparkles as bright as their personalities.

Considerations when tying tinsel to children’s hair

Hair tinsel can transform your child’s look and add charm and sparkle to their hair. However, there are nuances you need to navigate before tying tinsel to your child’s hair. Children have unique hair texture and playful tendencies, thus requiring special attention when embracing hair tinsel. Whether this is your first time adding tinsel strands to their hair or you are a seasoned sparkle enthusiast, you should approach the application process with diligence. The following are some considerations when learning how to put hair tinsel in your child’s hair:

1.    Hair texture

Fine hair might not provide as strong of a base for the tinsel hair as thick hair. The tinsel may slide out easily. If this is your child’s hair texture, tie the tinsel close to their scalp and use multiple knots to secure it. For thick hair, the tinsel may get lost in the volume. In this case, use bright or contrasting colors to make the tinsel strands stand out. For curly hair, tinsel strands may get wrapped or tangled easily. Therefore, tie the tinsel in locations where curls are looser or more accessible.

2.    Child’s activity level

Children are playful and have boundless energy, which can impact the longevity of hair tinsel. If the child engages in high-energy activities like running and jumping, she may pull or tug at the hair tinsel. This can result in premature loosening. Therefore, children with moderate activity levels are better hair tinsel candidates, as the tinsel strands stay longer, especially if you tie them securely. Children who often visit playgrounds engage in activities with dirt and sand, and the tinsel may accumulate debris and lose its luster quicker. Children who swim a lot may expose the tinsel strands to saltwater or chlorine, which might affect the tinsel’s durability. Consider how active your child is and the activities they take part in before tying tinsel to their hair.

3.    Tangle prevention

Because of all the daily activities children are involved in, their hair is more prone to tangles. This is especially the case if their hair is naturally curly or wavy. When tying hair tinsel, consider the child’s daily activities to reduce the risk of tangles. Do not place tinsel strands around the nape of the neck, as this area commonly gets tangled. The front and sides are the best placement areas because they are not prone to tangles.

4.    Safety first

Like most hair accessories, hair tinsel comes with its own precautions. Communicate these precautions to your child to ensure a safe experience. For younger children, use simple language when talking to them about pulling or playing with the tinsel. Emphasize that they should never put the tinsel strands in their mouth. For young children, try role-playing with a doll so as to make the learning process more interactive and fun. You should also encourage them to tell you if the tinsel feels uncomfortable or if any tinsel strand gets loose.

5.    Long-term verses short term

Consider the duration of the tinsel hair before determining the placement, type, and care routines. For short-term occasions, such as themed school days or birthday parties, place the tinsel strands in more prominent areas where they stand out, as they are likely to be removed soon. You can opt for more decorative and flashy tinsel strands for short-term wear. However, for long-term wear, ensure the placement is secure and invest in high-quality tinsel that can withstand the rigors of washing, brushing, and daily activities.

6.    Care and maintenance

Assess your child’s level of awareness when it comes to caring for hair tinsel. A younger child may not understand the concept of carefully handling hair extensions. However, older kids are more familiar with the importance of tinsel care. Discuss gentle care, and let them take part in brushing or combing their hair. Talk to them about tangles and tell them they may need to tie their hair in specific styles when partaking in sports or activities to ensure longevity.

7.    Nighttime care

Children often toss and turn throughout the night, which causes friction against their pillows. Before adding tinsel to their hair, talk to them about nighttime care. Consider getting them a satin or silk pillowcase and tying their hair up at bedtime to reduce tangles.

Tips on how to put hair tinsel in children’s hair

While the appeal of tinsel in hair is undeniable, adding it to your child’s hair demands a blend of creativity, technique, and patience. Here are a few tips you can use to make the process of how to put in hair tinsel as seamless as possible:

1.    Use distractions

Tying tinsel to your child’s hair can be challenging, especially if they are restless or have fleeting attention spans. Use distractions to ensure the tying process is smooth and seamless. Give them a tablet with interactive games to occupy their minds and hands. Let them watch their favorite show or engage them in a story to divert their attention from the tinsel. You can also play soothing music or give them interactive toys like puzzles to keep them busy while you work on their hair. Some children love watching their hair transform in real-time, so give them a mirror so they can see you tie the tinsel in their hair. You can also promise to reward them if they sit still throughout the application process.

2.    Consider scalp sensitivity

Children often have more tender and reactive scalps than adults. Keep this in mind when tying tinsel in their hair to ensure the experience is not uncomfortable. Before tying tinsel to their whole head, tie a strand or two and let it sit for a few hours to gauge their discomfort or reaction. Apply the tinsel strand gently without tying it too tightly or pulling. Ensure the knot is secure but not taut so it doesn’t cause tension on their scalps. Encourage your child to tell you if they feel discomfort during the application process. Check areas where you placed the tinsel to ensure there’s no sign of irritation. For children, choose high-quality hair tinsel that’s hypoallergenic to ensure their scalp is not irritated. If you notice any signs of discomfort, gently remove the tinsel immediately and opt for a different hairstyle.

3.    Less is more

While you may be tempted to give your child’s hair a full-blown shimmering makeover, practice restraint and take a minimal approach for better results. Fewer tinsel strands accentuate the hair’s natural beauty and are easier to maintain. Furthermore, fewer strands reduce the chances of discomfort and are quicker to tie in your child’s hair. They are less likely to tangle and are more practical for active children.

4.    Involving the child

Another tip is to make buying and tying the tinsel in hair a collaborative experience. Shop for the tinsel hair together and let the child choose the colors and styles they want based on their preferences. You can talk to them about their preferred hairstyles and where they’d like the tinsel strands placed. Let them watch you tying the tinsel in a mirror so they can see the transformation as it happens. This can make the entire process a bonding activity and a shared experience that’s more fun for the child.

5.    Special occasions

There’s something charming about reserving the twinkling touch of hair tinsel for special occasions. This ensures tinsel in hair is a fun treat rather than a daily chore. Limit tinsel hair to events like birthdays and holidays to preserve its novelty and help the child associate it with cherished memories. Furthermore, there’ll be heightened anticipation for the tinsel application session.

6.    Regular checks

As a parent, you should regularly check your child’s hair for tangles, scalp irritation, or loose tinsel strands. This can help you immediately notice discomfort, especially if the child hasn’t told you. Regular checks allow you to monitor the attachment points to ensure the strands remain secure so they don’t fall out prematurely. They can also help you check when the strands lose their shine due to exposure to product buildup and dirt, which can help you determine when it’s time to remove the hair tinsel.

Conclusion

Hair tinsel stands out in the realm of hair adornments for children because of its sparkling beauty. While learning how to put in hair tinsel in your child’s hair can feel daunting, with a bit of practice and patience, the process can become a bonding activity for you and your child. So, the next time your child desires a bit of glitz and glamour in their hair, use these tips to make the process stress-free for both of you.